Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa

The Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa's location is fairly remote and there's a private, quiet atmosphere throughout the property. Yellow buildings with traditional Makuti roofs made of palm leaves lend a tropical feeling, while sand-colored tile walkways create a seamlessness with the beach setting. Common areas are open and bright, allowing for views of well-maintained gardens sprawling across the hotel grounds. The lobby has a small book-exchange library and a number of tan-leather sofas. Large beams support the soaring wood ceilings in the bright, airy space. Restaurants are likewise open and decorated with lots of wicker, wood, and cool beiges. Sunlight streams through dramatic wall cutouts into one dining room, while numerous tables sit outside on the sand. The open-air Sultan Bar is particularly stylish and suited to date nights, with rich leather-tufted chairs, and romantic lanterns dangling from the ceiling. Although Gold Zanzibar Beach House & Spa has the amenities to attract families and business travelers -- such as a conference room and kids' club -- most guests here are vacationing couples on a romantic getaway. 

Gold Zanzibar is located in a fairly remote area at the northern tip of Ungula Island. While guests will need a car to get around, there are a number of other hotels and a few street-food stalls nearby along the rocky road. It's a 10-minute drive to Nungwi town, one of the larger settlements on the island and the closest hub for dining and shopping. The island's capital, Zanzibar City, best known for its historic Stone Town district, is a little more than an hour's drive from the hotel. Abeid Amani Karume International Airport is an hour and 15 minutes away by car. 

Gold Zanzibar offers a variety of lodging options, outfitted in peaceful, elegant furnishings that combine wood, white stone, and lots of gold. Beds have golden runners and sit on elevated platforms draped in wispy mosquito nets with gold trim. Rooms also include pretty golden accent walls, knotty-wood tables, and decorative pottery with fresh flowers. Amenities include flat-screen TVs, tea- and coffee-making facilities, minibars, air-conditioning, and free Wi-Fi;  DVD/CD players are also included in suites and villas. Large bathrooms have gold-brown mosaic tile and natural-wood-framed mirrors and towel racks. They come with separate walk-in showers and bathtubs, as well as bidets, bathrobes and slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries. 

All rooms have their own private outdoor terraces with sea or garden views. Each of the three Luxury Beach Villas has its own theme and decor scheme (Italian, African, or Arabian), and each includes an outdoor whirlpool hot tub, two large bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a lounge plus a private beach tent for guest use. Villas also include butler service and free bottled water. 

Unsurprisingly, the crowning feature of the hotel is its long stretch of white sand with palapa-shaded lounge chairs available to guests. Diving, snorkeling, and fishing excursions are offered by the resort for a fee. Should the hawkers on the beach become tiresome, there's also a huge outdoor pool with lots of room to swim laps or sunbathe. Another spot to relax is the Balinese-style spa with treatment rooms and peaceful thatched-roof pavilions. A huge range of treatments are offered, including facials and hot stone massages, plus multi-day packages are available. The hotel has a small fitness center with a variety of cardio machines, though no weights. Yoga and Pilates classes are held during the high season, and there are a sandy volleyball court and a game room with billiards and ping-pong. 

For business travelers and events, there's a conference room with catering available. Families can take advantage of the kids' club with morning and afternoon sessions; babysitting can be arranged on request. An on-site shop sells clothing and local gifts. Wi-Fi is free throughout the resort.

The hotel offers two restaurants and two bars, and an all-inclusive package is available. The main restaurant, Kilimanjaro, serves a huge buffet breakfast and a la carte dinners. Gold Restaurant is only open at night and specializes in Zanzibari cuisine and seafood, with the occasional gala dinner. There's also a beach bar, Ocean Dhow Bar, which is open early until late and serves snacks and tropical drinks to visitors right on the sand. The Sultan Bar serves up international cocktails in a stylish room that has great sunset views.